Wireline tool configurations having improved retrievability

Abstract

A first wireline tool embodiment includes a segmented tool body having a joint deployed between each adjacent pair of tool body sections. The joint may be configured to extend axially (causing a relative axial displacement of the adjacent tool body sections) when the wireline tool is subject to an axial load. The joint may include, for example, a compliant joint or a protractible joint. The joint may be further configured to cause a relative rotation between the adjacent tool body sections when the wireline tool is subject to axial load. A second wireline tool embodiment includes a plurality of standoff rings deployed about an outer surface of a rigid tool body. The standoff rings engage helical grooves in the outer surface of the tool body such that axial displacement of the tool body causes the standoff rings to rotate.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]None.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Disclosed embodiments relate generally to a downhole tools configured to have improved retrievability in differential sticking environments. More particularly, certain of the disclosed embodiments relate to a downhole tool including a segmented tool body in which the body segments are connected to one another via compliant and / or protractible joints that enable adjacent segments to translate with respect to one another. Other disclosed embodiments relate to a downhole tool including at least first and second standoff rings deployed about a rigid tool body.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0003]The interaction force between the borehole wall and wireline tools or other downhole tools can become significant as a result of differential sticking phenomena. During open-hole wireline operations, the wellbore is typically pressurized above the formation pore pressure in order to prevent formation fluids from entering the we...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Wireline tool configurations are disclosed that may have improved retrievability in differential sticking conditions. In certain embodiments, the disclosed wireline tools include a segmented tool body including a joint deployed between each adjacent pair of tool body sections. The joint is configured to extend axially (causing a relative axial displacement of the adjacent tool body sections) when the wireline tool is subject to an axial load. The joint may include, for example, a compliant joint or a protractible joint. The joint may be further configured to cause a relative rotation between the adjacent tool body sections when the wireline tool is subject to axial load. In an alternative tool embodiment, standoff rings are deployed about an outer surface of a rigid tool body. The standoff rings engage helical grooves in the outer surface of the tool body such that axial displacement of the tool body with respect to the standoff rings causes the rings to rotate.

[0007]The disclosed embodiments may provide various technical advantages. For example, the disclosed embodiments are intended to reduce the axial force required to draw a downhole tool to the surface when differential sticking phenomenon are present. The disclosed tool embodiments may increase the shear stress in the mud cake, for example, via decreasing the surface area of the tool / mud cake interface across which the axial force acts or via introducing rotational motion to the differentially stuck component.

Problems solved by technology

Solid particles in the drilling fluids are often too large to enter the fine pore structure of the formation and remain on the borehole wall.

This differential pressure may cause the tool to stick (or adhere) to the borehole wall.

Such differential sticking can be problematic.

In such cases expensive and time consuming fishing operations (or other remedial operations) may be required to remove the tool from the wellbore.

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